If a victim is unresponsive and not breathing, what is the most appropriate action?

When a victim is unresponsive and not breathing, the most appropriate action is to initiate chest compressions. This is critical because when someone is not breathing, their heart may also stop, which can lead to a fatal situation if not addressed immediately. Chest compressions help to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until more advanced medical care can be provided or until the victim begins to breathe again.

Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and at a depth of about two inches for adults. This technique supports the chance of survival significantly by ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to circulate, which is essential in cases of cardiac arrest.

Though other actions may be relevant in certain contexts—such as performing rescue breaths or checking for choking—those measures are not prioritized when immediate chest compressions can provide critical life-saving support. Laying the victim down gently does not address the lack of responsiveness and breathing, making it an insufficient first response in this scenario.